Tips
for Filing an Insurance Claim
If
possible, photograph the outside of the premises, showing the any
damage or flooding. Also, photograph the inside of the premises,
showing the damaged property and the height of the water if your
property was flooded.
Call
your insurance agent to report your claim. If you have
separate flood insurance, also call your flood insurance agent to
report your claim. Your flood insurance agent will prepare a Notice of
Loss form and an adjuster will be assigned to assist you.
Separate
the damaged from the undamaged property and put it in the
best possible order for the insurance adjuster's examination. If
reasonably possible, protect the property from further damage.
When
the adjuster visits your property, let him or her know if you
need an advance or partial payment of loss. Again, good records can
assist your insurance companies and the NFIP in giving you an advance
payment. Use your inventory to work with the adjuster in presenting
your claim.
Damaged
property which presents a health hazard or which may hamper
local clean-up operations should be disposed of. Be sure to adequately
describe discarded items so that, when the adjuster examines your
losses and your records, these article are included in the
documentation.
Good
records speed up settlement of your claim. Compile a
room-by-room inventory of missing or damaged goods, and include
manufacturer's names, dates and places of purchases, and prices. Try to
locate receipts or proofs of purchase, especially for major appliances,
and note manufacturers' names, serial numbers, prices, and dates of
purchase.
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